Extraction satisfaction
One of the trickiest parts of organic geochemistry is liquid-liquid extraction (or as I have rechristened it, “lick-lick-ex”). The purpose of this procedure is to move gunky organic matter in and out of different solvents depending on whether we want to transport, measure, or react our material. It is finicky, crazy-making work as well as a formidable obstacle in my research. The following comic illustrates my daily struggles:
I. Cloudy solution after RuO4 oxidation, part DCM and part water
II. Adding a few drops of DCM helps separate the mixture into two layers
III. Adding a drop more of DCM warps gravity inside the separatory funnel
IV. Contents of funnel suddenly celebrates marriage laws in the state of New York
V. Extraction goes awry when the sep. funnel bursts into boiling flames of acid
VI. Suddenly the encouraging face of Jesus appears in the depths of the funnel
VII. Finally a drop of water separates the aqueous and organic layers
VIII. Until the funnel shatters when Katie tickles Zach while he holds delicate glassware
